Best Budget Espresso Machines
When looking for an espresso machine, you should look for models that produce rich, delicious shots and that steams milk well. Some machines are fully automated and can do all of the work for you, but these typically sacrifice flavor and texture.
The De'Longhi Stilosa offers a simple, easy-to-use option that doesn't require a lot of counter space. It's also durable.
Capresso EC50 Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Machine
The Capresso EC50 pump espresso and cappuccino machine strikes a balance between price, quality and performance. It's inexpensive enough to be an ideal choice for those who are just starting out but it's also robust and stable enough that even experienced espresso drinkers will be able to enjoy its strong flavor. It also comes with a milk frother, which can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes in a matter of minutes.
When choosing an espresso maker, think about the frequency you'll use it and how many people will be drinking your drinks. If you intend to make just one or two cups a day, a single-shot espresso maker will be sufficient, but if you're planning on serving espresso to guests regularly, you may want more capacity.
Some espresso machines come with a built in grinder however, others require an additional unit. The latter is more convenient but tends to produce a less tasty coffee than the burr mill.
If you want to get the best possible espresso, go for a model that has a PID controller. This feature electronically regulates the temperature of the boiler, which results in a more precise and consistent results compared to mechanical thermostats.
A transparent water tank makes it easier to see when it's time to refill and a brewing chamber saves cleanup time. The machine can also be connected directly to the water supply in your home to make an easier and more regular the brew.
CASABREWS' 3700Essential is a great choice for those who wish to get started with espresso without spending lots of money. Its performance isn't quite comparable to top-of-the-line models, but it's capable of producing strong espresso shots that have a lot of body and flavor. The user interface is intuitive and is also user-friendly.
A transparent, front-facing dial and a water reservoir that is removable, 42 ounces are just some of the features that make this espresso maker an excellent purchase. The machine also comes with two frothers, which can be switched between frothing and steaming (the former whips milk for cappuccinos while the other injects hot air into milk to make lattes). Unfortunately, the design of this particular model's water tank is somewhat annoying It's difficult to refill and awkwardly placed.
Breville Bambino Plus
The Bambino Plus is a great small machine that provides you with the ability to make cafe-quality espresso and lattes from your home. It's easy to operate and doesn't require special knowledge or skills in coffee to operate, which makes it ideal for people who are new to the art of espresso making.
It comes with a variety of characteristics that make it stand out from other machines that are priced at entry level. For starters, it has an PID that helps ensure that the temperature of water is accurate during extraction. It employs a low-pressure pre-infusion method to extract the best flavor from your beans. It also has a speedy heat-up time thanks to its ThermoJet system. This allows you to begin making coffee in just three seconds, which saves you time in the morning when you are trying to get out of the door.
The Bambino Plus also has a steam wand that can be used to create creamy, frothy lattes as well as cappuccinos. This comes with a couple of different milk texture settings to allow you to customize your drink. It's not as smooth microfoam that you can get from a professional blender, but it still gives you some promising options as a novice.
The Bambino Plus is an excellent little espresso machine. However, it does not have as many bells and whistles as some of Breville's top-of-the-line models. It doesn't have an spout for hot water or steaming with a manual option, and it only ships with filter baskets with pressurized filters in North America. If you have a decent grinder that can produce an espresso with a fine grind it's a great alternative for those looking to begin espresso making at an affordable price.
The Bambino Plus may look like an toy however, it's made with real metal. It also has very tight tolerances. It is easy to clean, and it has built-in reminders to keep you on track when cleaning or descaling. In just a few weeks, you will be able to begin saving money on trips to your local coffee shop.
Philips 3200 Series
The Philips 3200 Series fully automatic espresso machine provides lots of features for the price. This is a great option for those who want to cut down on the number of trips they take to coffee shops, and take control of how their morning cup coffee is prepared. This budget-friendly, all-in-one machine has an integrated grinder and brew unit, along with hot water and an automatic milk frother. It offers a variety of drinks, including iced coffee lattes, cappuccinos, and cappuccinos.
The machine is easy to use and maintain. The My Coffee Choice feature allows you to alter the strength of your drink to your personal preference. There are three strengths to pick from, and the machine will keep your preferences for each drink. The machine comes with an AquaClean filtration system that, according to the company will keep it clean for up to 5,000 cups of espresso.
The model isn't without its flaws in that it takes longer to make the shots than other models. Although it's not a huge issue, it can make some users uncomfortable. The grinder on the machine is somewhat coarse side, and might require a bigger size of a grinding chamber than other models.
The Philips 3200 comes with a timer programable that can be set to automatically begin brewing coffee at certain times. This can be especially helpful for busy people. The machine also has an adjustable drip tray that is easily removed and cleaned for quicker cleaning. Philips comes with grease tubes to lubricate your brew unit at minimum every two months.
The front-loading tank makes it simple to refill the machine. The water reservoir can hold up to 1.7 Gallons, and the machine will inform you when it's time to change the filter or add water. The controls are easy to use and have a touchscreen interface. The display will notify you when your coffee has been brewed and different lights indicate if there's been an error or if the machine is descaled.
Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker
Hamilton Beach 40715 Espresso machine is a great choice for those who wish to get the most for their buck. This budget-friendly machine lets you to make use of K-Cups, ground coffee or espresso pods that have been measured. The built-in milk frother allows you to make cappuccinos and lattes of café quality. This feature isn't often found in machines at this cost.
The 40715 is extremely easy to use and maintain. The patented Slide and Lock Portafilter makes it easy to insert the filter, lock it in place, and then remove your espresso. A timer programable lets you set a predetermined time for brewing, making sure that your espresso is always ready when you need it. The auto-pause and serve feature also allows you to quickly pour during brewing, ensuring that you won't need to wait for a long time to enjoy your beverage.
The large water tank of the 40715 is an additional benefit. This will help you save time and money by decreasing the frequency of refilling your water tank. Additionally the dishwasher-safe components and filter basket that can be removed make it easy to clean and maintain.
In terms of performance the 40715 is comparable to other machines in this class. The 15-bar Italian espresso pump creates an intense, delicious cup of coffee. The adjustable steam control will ensure that your drinks are perfect every time. The programmable timer as well as the automatic pause and serve feature are additional features that can be beneficial.
Hamilton Beach 40715 is a fantastic product that has many positive characteristics. However, there are some things to take into consideration prior to purchasing. The small boiler capacity can cause the water to cool too quickly and affect the extraction process. A permanent filter isn't included, so you may need to buy additional filters in future.
Before you purchase look over the options at your local store. You can call ahead and ask if the model you're looking for is in stock. If you are ordering online, be sure to take into consideration shipping costs as well as the ease of picking up your purchase. If you're not satisfied with your purchase, you can take advantage of the return policy offered by the retailer to exchange it for something else.